I have been working alot recently on a new reality show that has yet to air and it has been a rough bit of shooting. 4 or 5 wireless going all the time, lots of quick location changes and alot of people to mic up quickly and since we don’t have a 2nd crew I need to move fast so that camera is not waiting on me. Everyday I have been trying to figure out ways to move fast and do a better job at the same time, which is easier said then done. My first challenge was lighten by 25lb sound bag up a bit by using thinner cables and cable the exact length I need this saved me about 1lb . I also am now using a wireless plug on tx on my boompole at all times now this saves me time when setting up for our sit down interviews and allows me to have more freedom of motion when booming and not having to worry about plugging the boompole in. I have also started leaving more spare items in the production van instead of on me this has saved me 3lbs so my bag is now about 21lbs which is much better than 25. So I invite all of you to really take a hard look at how you do things and maybe you can save some weight too.
Tag: Location Sound Mixer Charleston South Carolina
Reality Show Sound nothing else like it
I wish went I was in film school starting in 2001 someone would have just sat me down for 1 hour and told me all the things it took me 4 years to figure out on my own. I guest lecture at the local film school in Savannah (SCAD) a few times a year and will reality tv here to stay they are still not telling students what they really need to know. It bothers me that a school that charges close to $80,000 for a 4 year degree only teaches students how to work on feature films and high budget productions which we all know is not where they will start working. The program should focus on things like how to lav 5 people in 5 minutes while a producer is yelling at you or how to make sure you get paid correctly. Sometimes it makes me want to teach so I can do this but then I realize I would get frustrated dealing with green sound and film kids everyday.
Been Busy shooting
Sorry for the lack of posting I have been working on a new Reality show as the Head Sound Mixer We are 2 episodes into a full season of episodes. It is also nice that the whole show takes place in Savannah Ga so I can sleep in my own bed every night, which is great. The package that I have been using has also been working great as well. It consists of the following:
Sound Devices 442 4 Channel Mixer
(3) Lectrosonics 211 Wireless with 250 1/4 watt tx
(3) Countryman EMW Lav’s
Zaxcom Eng Wireless camera hop
Senneheiser MKH 416 Shotgun Microphone
Comtek IFB tx and 3 Receivers
Petrol PEZ-1 Bag
Overall the size and weight of this package has kept me fast and compact allowing me to get great audio. I will post more about the show and my approach later.
Pro Location Sound LLC 